What does 120Hz mean on a phone and does it make a difference?

Staff Writer By Staff Writer - May 26th, 2025
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When you compare phones, you might notice some models mentioning they have a 120Hz display. At first glance, it will look like just another technical number, but it actually affects how smooth the screen looks and feels when you're using your phone.

The refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), controls how quickly your screen updates the image you see. A higher number means faster updates, which can make scrolling, swiping and animations feel much more fluid.

In this article, we’ll break down what 120Hz really means, where it makes a difference, and whether it's something you should pay attention to when choosing your next phone.

What Is Refresh Rate?

Refresh rate refers to how many times a phone’s display updates each second. A 60Hz screen refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120Hz screen refreshes 120 times per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion appears on screen.

This smoother experience becomes clear when you scroll through social media feeds, swipe through menus, or play games that support higher frame rates. The difference is visual, but it also improves how responsive the phone feels.

When Does 120Hz Make a Difference?

A higher refresh rate is most noticeable when scrolling or moving between screens. Animations feel more fluid, and transitions look more seamless. It creates a faster, more polished experience, especially when switching between apps or navigating through settings.

You may not notice it as much when watching video, since most streaming content is limited to 30 or 60 frames per second. But for everyday use and supported games, the improvement is clear and obvious.

What does 120Hz mean on a phone and does it make a difference?

How Phones Manage Refresh Rate

Many phones with 120Hz displays use what is called an adaptive refresh rate. This means the screen can automatically adjust based on what you are doing. If you are reading a static page or watching a video, the refresh rate may lower to conserve battery. If you begin scrolling or playing a fast-paced game, the refresh rate increases again to keep things smooth.

This helps maintain a balance between performance and battery efficiency.

Does It Help With Gaming?

For mobile gaming, a 120Hz screen can provide a smoother and more responsive experience, especially in games that support high frame rates. Racing games, shooters, and action titles may feel faster and easier to control.

Not every game takes advantage of higher refresh rates, but for the ones that do, the difference can be noticeable. It’s a helpful feature for serious gamers, though not essential for everyone.

What About Battery Life?

Running a display at 120Hz can use more battery compared to 60Hz. However, most modern phones are designed to handle this well. Adaptive refresh rate systems help limit battery impact by reducing the refresh rate when high performance is not needed.

While you may see a slight difference in battery life, it is usually not a major drawback with newer devices.

Should You Look for 120Hz in a Phone?

A 120Hz display is not required for a good smartphone experience, but it can make a device feel faster and more responsive. If you are upgrading from an older phone or you value smooth performance, it is a feature worth considering.

That said, phones with lower refresh rates still perform well for everyday use, including browsing, messaging, and video playback. If a device meets your needs in other areas, a 60Hz or 90Hz screen should not be a dealbreaker.

Final Thoughts

A 120Hz screen enhances the feel of a smartphone by making everyday tasks appear smoother and more fluid. It improves the overall experience, especially for users who enjoy gaming or want a phone that responds quickly to their inputs.

While not essential, it is a valuable feature to understand when comparing devices. Whether or not it becomes a priority depends on how you use your phone and what kind of experience you want from it.


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Staff Writer

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